The voyage of Donald Crowhurst, one of the nine yachtsmen who joined a 1969 "London Times"-sponsored competition to make a highly publicized solo trip around the world. Crowhurst, a former engineer, but hardly the most experienced sailor, attempted this feat in a boat that he designed himself. A few weeks into the voyage it began leaking. Continuing through the vicious waters of Cape Horn appeared to be suicidal, but returning home meant humiliation and financial ruin.